NASCAR: Alex Bowman’s unofficial return window has opened
By Asher Fair
Alex Bowman was initially ruled out for three to four weeks, and he just missed his third straight NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday at Darlington Raceway. When will he be back?
Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman suffered a fractured T3 vertebra in a sprint car crash a few weeks ago, sidelining him for “three to four weeks” of NASCAR Cup Series action.
This past Sunday afternoon at Darlington Raceway, the driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet missed his third consecutive Cup Series race, with Josh Berry again filling in for him.
Bowman has already been ruled out for this coming Saturday afternoon’s Truck Series race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, with Kyle Larson instead set to drive the No. 7 Chevrolet in this race. However, he hasn’t been ruled out for Sunday evening’s All-Star Race at the track.
After three missed starts, Alex Bowman’s unofficial NASCAR return window is upon.
Unfortunately for Bowman, whose most recent start came at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, April 23, there is still no true timetable set for his return, though that could change within the next few days.
He is set to learn more this week, with several doctor appointments and x-rays lined up before the weekend. He stated that he simply doesn’t know whether or not he will be available for the All-Star Race, as he hasn’t had an x-ray since the injury occurred.
But a return this weekend is still on the table.
Alex Bowman describes his injury, when his back hurts the most and explains why he still doesn’t have a timeline yet for his return. pic.twitter.com/B9vGxW3NvD
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 15, 2023
If Bowman isn’t able to compete in the All-Star Race, however, Berry would again fill in for him behind the wheel of the No. 48 Chevrolet, though he would not be automatically locked into the race like Bowman is, thanks to his win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last year. He would need to qualify for via the All-Star Open.
Ideally, Bowman will return in time for the next points race, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28.
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The All-Star Race is set to be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1 from North Wilkesboro Speedway beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 21, with the All-Star Open set to precede it at 6:00 p.m. ET. Begin a free trial of FuboTV today and don’t miss it!